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Abstract

Problem: To quality for home health nursing, patients are encouraged to participate in their own wound care. So, it is important to have a dressing that is easy to use, and multifunctional. 4 patients are presented with open wounds. Patient 1- chronic right ankle arterial ulcer. Patient 2- scrotal wound from moisture and stage III coccyx pressure ulcer, Patient 3- excised squamous cell carcinoma on the right shin, Patient 4- stage II left heel pressure ulcer.

Methods: Polymeric membrane dressings (PMDs), cavity filler, extra-absorptive with or without silver, or rope were applied depending on depth, exudate or suspected infection. Collagenase was applied with standard PMDs for fibrinous wounds. Antibiotic ointment was applied with PMDs to help eliminate pseudomonas infections quickly. PMDs replaced prior advanced wound care for patient 1 and 2 because of slow healing. PMDs were applied on patient 3 and 4 initially. Dressing frequency was daily to every other day and as needed depending on exudate/perspiration. After initial cleansing, wounds were not cleansed at dressing changes as PMDs contain a nontoxic cleanser. An adhesive barrier was applied on the periwound skin for patients that had issues with perspiration.

Results: All wounds closed for Patient 1, 3 and 4; PMDs were used for a month after wounds closed to maintain wound tensile strength. Patient 2’s wounds are almost closed. Pain for patient 1, went down from 8 to a 2 (0-10 scale). Patient 3’s pain went from a 3 to 0 (0-10 scale). Periwound complications of maceration, weeping, erythema, edema and induration resolved during the course of wound management. Patients/caregivers found the dressings easy to use.

Conclusions: Polymeric membrane dressings not only healed the wounds but provided a product that can be used for multiple types of wounds and at all stages of wound healing.